A court proceeding in which the suspect is formally charged with the criminal offense stated in the indictment or information is called which of the following?

A) An initial appearance
B) A preliminary hearing
C) A grand jury hearing
D) An arraignment

Formal Charge

The official accusation made against a person by authorities, initiating legal action.

Criminal Offense

An act or omission punishable by law as forbidden by statute or injurious to the public welfare.

Arraignment

The initial court appearance of a defendant, where charges are read and the accused responds by entering a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.